Soegeng Rahardjo, Indonesian Ambassador to China (The photo is provided by the Indonesian embassy )
By Tian Shaohui
BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- China will play an important role in boosting trade and investment, both at regional and global levels, said Soegeng Rahardjo, Indonesian Ambassador to China.
The ambassador stressed his point in an exclusive written interview with Xinhuanet on Monday.
He also believed that China could play an important role in the global governance.
China should prioritize efforts to strengthen regional and global connectivity, particularly with countries along the routes of the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.
As the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative continues to take shape, there have been numerous highlights, which demonstrate the initiative’s potential in strengthening regional and inter-regional cooperation, Soegeng said.
Indonesia is also benefiting from the Belt and Road Initiative, he added, as the construction of a high-speed train between Jakarta and Bandung is taking place.
In addition, the initiative's focus on connectivity projects creates opportunities for infrastructure cooperation, he emphasized, which, in turn, opens up other areas of cooperation.
While the world continues to face economic slowdown, the Belt and Road Initiative could provide appropriate stimulus for economic recovery in many countries, he told Xinhuanet.
The establishment of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could provide the norms necessary for pushing regional free trade in the whole world, said the ambassador.
Meanwhile, other countries should also play their own significant roles, and together cultivate an environment, "conducive to free and fair trade and investment", Soegeng said.
And globalization has become a necessity for all countries, as it opens the doors for free trade and investment, he commented.
However, the rising anti-globalization sentiment will cause uncertainties in the global economy’s future direction, worried the ambassador.
“These sentiments, if materialized in government policies, would force a restructuring of the global economy, and its entry into unchartered waters,” he warned.
Besides, volatility in the financial sector and a slowdown in global trade and investment will surely follow, he added.
The ambassador re-emphasized globalization, saying it means all countries adjust and open up to create a healthy economic climate.
In a globalized and open world, “countries must work hand-in-hand in seeking solutions to common problems”, said the ambassador, for no country can solve its problems alone and no country can exist on its own.
Globalization, interdependence, free trade must continue to be encouraged as part of our efforts to achieve sustainable global economic growth, he added.
